{"id":1387,"date":"2017-12-15T10:32:18","date_gmt":"2017-12-15T18:32:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mydiabeticsoul.com\/?p=1387"},"modified":"2017-12-15T10:33:54","modified_gmt":"2017-12-15T18:33:54","slug":"treatment-for-ankylosing-spondylitis-written-by-linda-andrews","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/mydiabeticsoul.com\/?p=1387","title":{"rendered":"“Treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis” Written by Linda Andrews"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Have you ever heard of this, this…”Ankylosing Spondylitis?”\u00a0 Did I spell that correctly?<\/h1>\n

Anyway, no, I never heard of it either.\u00a0 Having seen and read this article written by Linda Andrews [whom I have never heard], I came to this sharing conclusion: You must read this….<\/h1>\n

Medically Reviewed on March 13, 2017 by Brenda B. Spriggs, MD, FACP<\/a><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n
\u00a0[ Video Transcript available here:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00bb<\/a><\/div>\n
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Ankylosing Spondylitis: Much More Than Back Pain<\/h2>\n

Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis caused by inflammation of the joints.<\/p>\n

Patients often begin experiencing painful symptoms in early adulthood, including aches and stiffness in the lower back and hips. These are often the worst after periods of inactivity or immediately after waking up.<\/p>\n

Unlike typical back pain one might experience from injury or spending too many hours in a chair, ankylosing spondylitis can affect other joints, particularly joints in the spine at the lower back and pelvis. The hip and shoulder joints can also be affected as well.<\/p>\n

The vertebrae in the back are of particular concern because, if left untreated, these joints can fuse together. This can cause a person to have a hunched over posture and may affect a person\u2019s ability to breathe.<\/p>\n

While many patients endure these painful symptoms for up to 10 years before receiving a proper diagnosis, those who work with their doctors to find proper treatment experience a much greater quality of life.<\/p>\n

Experts agree that ankylosing spondylitis and other related diseases can run in families, so if you have relatives with a history of immune problems, you may be more likely to develop ankylosing spondylitis.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re experiencing lasting pain for more than three months that feels worse in the morning and better with movement, you should talk to your doctor about ankylosing spondylitis as the potential cause of your symptoms.<\/p>\n

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms and whether you have a history of injuries in the affected joints. Your doctor may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to get a better look at what\u2019s causing your pain. You can also expect a simple blood test to check for signs of inflammation, as well as to rule out other potential illnesses.<\/p>\n

Your family doctor may initially diagnose you with inflammatory back pain, and refer you to a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in medicine related to joints and autoimmune diseases. As ankylosing spondylitis is not associated with mechanical issues that occur with injury-related back pain, it cannot be simply remedied with surgery and requires other therapies.<\/p>\n

While scientists continue to look for a cure for ankylosing spondylitis, there are many effective therapies that can relieve pain, improve dexterity, and delay advanced complications, such as joint damage.<\/p>\n

Doctors often rely on drugs to reduce the painful and destructive joint inflammation with ankylosing spondylitis. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, known as NSAIDs, and TNF, or tumor necrosis factor, blockers. TNF blockers are part of class of medications called biologics that suppress aspects of the body\u2019s inflammatory response and may slow the progression of ankylosing spondylitis.<\/p>\n

Many patients also benefit from regular exercises with a physical therapist. Patients often find that stretching and rage-of-motion exercises, such as yoga or pilates, can help relieve pain, increase flexibility in joints, and improve physical strength.<\/p>\n

Ankylosing spondylitis may be a lifelong condition, but it doesn\u2019t have to be a life-limiting one.<\/p>\n

Working closely with your doctor about latest treatments and making smart lifestyle choices can help keep painful symptoms at bay so you can live your life as you see fit.<\/p>\n

To learn more about Ankylosing Spondylitis, take a look at the information we have here at to breathe.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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While many patients endure these painful symptoms for up to 10 years before receiving a proper diagnosis, those who work with their doctors to find proper treatment experience a much greater quality of life.<\/p>\n

Experts agree that ankylosing spondylitis and other related diseases can run in families, so if you have relatives with a history of immune problems, you may be more likely to develop ankylosing spondylitis.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re experiencing lasting pain for more than three months that feels worse in the morning and better with movement, you should talk to your doctor about ankylosing spondylitis as the potential cause of your symptoms.<\/p>\n

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms and whether you have a history of injuries in the affected joints. Your doctor may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to get a better look at what\u2019s causing your pain. You can also expect a simple blood test to check for signs of inflammation, as well as to rule out other potential illnesses.<\/p>\n

Your family doctor may initially diagnose you with inflammatory back pain, and refer you to a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in medicine related to joints and autoimmune diseases. As ankylosing spondylitis is not associated with mechanical issues that occur with injury-related back pain, it cannot be simply remedied with surgery and requires other therapies.<\/p>\n

While scientists continue to look for a cure for ankylosing spondylitis, there are many effective therapies that can relieve pain, improve dexterity, and delay advanced complications, such as joint damage.<\/p>\n

Doctors often rely on drugs to reduce the painful and destructive joint inflammation with ankylosing spondylitis. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, known as NSAIDs, and TNF, or tumor necrosis factor, blockers. TNF blockers are part of class of medications called biologics that suppress aspects of the body\u2019s inflammatory response and may slow the progression of ankylosing spondylitis.<\/p>\n

Many patients also benefit from regular exercises with a physical therapist. Patients often find that stretching and rage-of-motion exercises, such as yoga or pilates, can help relieve pain, increase flexibility in joints, and improve physical strength.<\/p>\n

Ankylosing spondylitis may be a lifelong condition, but it doesn\u2019t have to be a life-limiting one.<\/p>\n

Working closely with your doctor about latest treatments and making smart lifestyle choices can help keep painful symptoms at bay so you can live your life as you see fit.<\/p>\n

To learn more about Ankylosing Spondylitis, take a look at the information we have here at Healthline or make an appointment with your doctor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of arthritis that\u2019s associated with chronic inflammation of the joints in the spine. The result is pain and stiffness in the back and hips \u2014 symptoms that tend to get worse as time passes. AS can also lead to complications such as a stooped posture, eye or bowel inflammation, and reduced lung or heart function.<\/p>\n

If you have AS, there\u2019s a lot you can do to fight back. Proper treatment helps ease pain and stiffness, and it might also prevent or delay complications. Treatment is generally most effective when started early, before the disease causes permanent joint damage.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s an overview of the treatment options for AS. By working closely with your healthcare team, you can find the best combination of treatments for you.<\/p>\n

Medication<\/h2>\n

Several types of medication are helpful for AS, but some may work better for you than others. You\u2019ll probably wind up taking one or more of the following:<\/p>\n

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs<\/h3>\n

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most widely used type of medication for treating AS. They include:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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